Arrow "The Fallen" Thoughts and Review!

Things in Ollies world come crashing down when we find Thea in the hospital, we take another fun trip to Nanda Parbat, and learn even more about the mystic waters there within.

Episode Description: Ra's al Ghul finally makes Oliver an offer he can't refuse. The team joins Oliver on his journey to Nanda Parbat where a heartbroken Felicity decides to take matters into her own hands.

"Who let that chick piss in my Laz Pit"-Jason Todd

High Points:

• Although it was a total steal from the Batman story line, I enjoyed the fact that the Lazerus Pits have been heard to have the same effects in the DC TV series as they do in the animated/comic world.
• It was good to see Oliver show some emotion finally on this show. He's been so stone walled, emotionless for too long and it's nice to know he's still human inside
• When Team Arrow arrives in Nanda Parbat, they are met by what looks like the entire league and it looked awesome. Almost like something out of Lord of the Rings on a much smaller scale
• Big Daddy Dig coming in strong calling out not just Maseo, but the whole league calling them cowards, and a bunch of pansies running away all the time. Dig doing big things each week
• The resurrection scene was pretty awesome. The anticipation was definitely felt because I could feel it. Only little down side I will post in "Low Points"
• The sex scene happened, couple episodes late but over and done with
• I think Arrow heard my claims of the flash back scenes being lackluster all season, they were much better tonight, and a lot more fun to watch
• Team Arrow ft Maseo fight was a pretty awesome fight scene, including Ollie recognizing himself as the air to the Demon's Head commanding the league
• How awesome did Ollie look in the League uni tonight at the end of the episode? Looked like the first time Jerome Iginla put on a Boston Bruins jersey for a year.

Watching the Olicity sex scene like....

Low Points:

• The entire episode was one giant Olicity show. I really hope they did that so we have no more moments between them. It's quite honestly the worst part of this show.
• Speaking of Felicity, what the hell in her mind tells her its ok to drug a guy after sex or tell the Demons Head he's out of his mind? If you ask me thats probably two of the biggest no no's I can think of
• Very slow episode all together. I understand it was focused around the Lazerus Pits and Nanda Parbat, I just feel they could have put this in another episode, and now by itself. 
• The Lazerus Pit scene was extremely short, and Thea turning demon/confused teenager was quite strange. 

I can only imagine Maseo felt like this after letting Team Arrow escaped.

Verdict: Tonight's episode as we all knew going in was going to be all about Nanda Parbot and the Lazerus Pits. Here's what I thought they did wrong about with this episode. They built so much hype around a matter of two minutes. I thought it was much too short, and not exactly what you wanted to see after all the hype. Also, I would have liked to have scene some more detail on Thea's part in the pits.Its like one moment she's in and in a blink of an eye shes in a bed resting completely fine. Hopefully the side effects of the pits show up in remaining episodes and she starts losing it. Could be a very cool aspect to the story line. Another point I want to touch on is the Olicity moment that everyone has been waiting for finally happened tonight. Now I don't hate it, I thought it was much overdue and needed. I just hope that now that its off the chest of the writers, they can focus on what made this show so great in the first place. Briefly commenting on the flash backs this week, I thought they were much better and I'm anxious to see what happens now that the alpha-omega bioweapon has been released into the streets. Now we come to the point everyone will be talking about. Oliver Queen aka Al Sah-Him aka air to the Demon. I have to say, I'm ok with this decision and what direction Oliver's story will go in. I thought he looked awesome in the League uniform, and I think this means we will see him in full fledge action mode these next few eps. Only question is where does this leave Team Arrow. From the short promo of next week's episode and an educated guess, I can only assume there will be some sort of show down that will eventually bring Ollie back to Staring. Another thing to think about in these last few weeks of Arrow, is Ollie just "playing" the role until he can find a way back out of the league? It's something to think about because once Ras is gone and/or killed (if this should happen) Ollie is in control of his own destiny. It's a long shot but should be fun to watch as things unfold in the final weeks. 

All in all I give tonights episode a solid 7.0 out of 10!

Thanks for reading! What do you guys think is next for team arrow? Will there be a show down between them and the league? Will Oliver eventually make his way back to Starling City, or will he be consumed by the league? Let us know what you guys think by commenting below or sending us a tweet @Caped_Informers or @O_doyleRULES11.

Tune in next week for "Al Sah-Him"

Arrow "Public Enemy" Thoughts/Review

From an insane police chase, The Demon's Head appearing again in Starling, to a very interesting ending that will change Team Arrow, its Wednesday and it is time for another review.

Episode Description: During an attack on the mayor's office, Ray is critically injured. Felicity is pleasantly surprised when her mother, Donna Smoak, shows up at the hospital to offer her support. With the SCPD out in full force looking for the assailant, Oliver and his team work hard to stay one step ahead of the police to find the man responsible. However, things come to a head when Ra's al Ghul kidnaps Captain Lance.

High Points

• As far as action in these episodes, I thought tonights was full of it. Every action scene seemed to be perfectly shot and was very entertaining to watch
• Ray Palmer using nano bots to cure him means he must have the technology to have the ATOM suite shrink? I say that's a fair guess.
• Thea back on the Roy Harper D. Giggity Roy, giggity. 
• We see the return of Felicity's hot mom. We should see more of her she really, uh spices the show up. 
• For once Team Arrow was fully suited up and went into action. More scenes like that, the team action is the best action.
• Ras continues to maintain his death grip on Starling and increasing the pressure on Ollie to take his place.
• The scene between Lance and Ollie in the van after he turns him self in was incredible acting on both parts. Very intense scene between two of my personal favorite characters
• Ollie turning him self in for the sake of saving the rest of team arrow perfectly shows his heroism and why he tool up the mask and bow.....or so we thought
• The ending......

I agree Ollie, Team Arrow needed to suit up together.

That moment you realize you may be the best looking guy in prison...

Low Points

• The scenes with Felicity continue to be the worst part of this show. A once incredible character has taken a very negative plunge week after week.
• Speaking of Felicity, she deny's Ray cold of the I love you. Ray you deserve better bud.
• Although it was very interesting meeting Shadow's twin sister, the flash back scenes didn't really do much for me this week.
• Captain Lance has had some of the worst luck on this show, but threatening his own daughter with jail time at gun point, come on man thats family.
• The CW moments between Ray and Felicity. Heres hoping Ray doesn't fall down that same path Felicity did.  

You gonna deny this Felicity?

Verdict: After last week's episode which had gotten mixed reviews amongst the informers and I'm sure some of our readers, I believe this week's episode took it to a new level from last week. It started right off the bat with a fully suited up Team Arrow going into battle with the league. This is only after Captain Lance had put the bounty out for the Arrow and his accomplices. Lance's act provided an unbelievable police chase that we havn't seen in this show before. The action during this entire scene set the tone for the episode from Roy's escape tactics to Nyssa showing up and sniping the gun right our of Captain Lance's hands. Just incredible stuff. Now as for Ollie's decision to turn himself in, as I said in the "high points" section, I thought it was the right move. It proves that being a hero is more than just wearing a mask saving people, it's about looking out for the people you care about, and if that means turning him self in he had to do it. These next few sentences are going to provide spoilers so if you haven't watched yet stop reading here. The ending sparked a major controversy and could shake team arrow for a good amount of time. Roy posing as the Arrow to save Ollie. Can honestly say I did not see that coming. He explains to Thea that he wanted to be done, he was excited to go to jail, but I didn't think anything of it. So my question to you the readers is this. What happens now? In the preview for the next episode Roy says "you saved my life once, now I'm saving yours", while in the prison suit. Is that it for Arsenal? I guess only time will tell but I will say no for now.

All in all I give tonight's episode a solid 8.5 out of 10!

Thanks for reading guys. What do you guys think of tonight's episode? Did you agree with both Ollie, and Roy's decisions? Leave a comment and send us a tweet @Caped_Informers or @O_doyleRULES11. Tune in April 15 for "Broken Arrow".

Arrow "The Offer" Review

Ra's Al Ghul offers up the position of the Demon's Head, while Ray Palmer offers up the promise of steak dinner in an all new Arrow. (SPOILERS!)

Episode Description: Still weighed down by his last meeting with Ra’s al Ghul, Oliver returns home to find a new villain and his crew have started terrorizing Starling City – Michael Amar AKA Murmur, a man whose mouth has been sewn shut. Meanwhile, Laurel and Nyssa bond over their issues with their fathers and Nyssa make Laurel an offer. Thea is forced to come to terms with her father after Oliver brings Malcolm to the loft to recover, and Lance shuts out both Laurel and the Arrow.

High Points

• Thea feels strong guilt for Sara's death. She has really been put through the ringer.
• Nyssa Al Ghul beats on Roy and Laurel in the Arrow Cave.
• Lazarus Pits exist and Ra's has been using them. (Why couldn't this have been revealed by reviving Ollie in one?).
• When Black Canary, Arrow, and Arsenal all team up, I get tingles in my bathing suit area.
• Officer Lance expressed his anger with the Arrow for not telling him about Sara's death and how Laurel has now become the Canary. Paul Blackthrone always does great with this kind of emotional material. Him and Joe West really need to meet up sometime and vent about these damn superhero kids of theirs.
• Ray Palmer is suave as hell. He makes me want to go on a steak dinner with him.
• Ollie got friend-zoned.
• Thea's mid drift is back and better than ever.
• Daddy Diggle always has to play the role of Oliver Queen's psychiatrist. Where would the Team be without him.
• Malcolm tries to be a supportive dad by telling Thea to kill him. #FatherOfTheYear
• Felicity gives one of her old school pump up speeches. #OldSchoolFelicity
• Cops are absolutely useless in the Flarrow universe and its hilarious. #FuckThePolice
• Nyssa saves the day!
• Awesome action set piece at the precinct Laurel, Arsensal, Arrow, and Nyssa kick some mute ass.
• Oliver Queen doesn't dance. "You know I don't dance".

• Ollie rediscovers why he is a hero.
• Laurel and Nyssa are gonna train together. Laurel has become a great character. Her, Nyssa, and Thea have really become #TeamDaddyIssues.
• Thea like anyone would seeks the comfort of Roy Harper. 
• Ra's is posing as the Arrow to try to hurt Oliver's reputation.

Decisions ... Decisions

Low Points

• Boring opening that had Ollie chat with Ra's about shit we already knew.
• Can someone explain how Ollie "defied death"? Was it really just because it was cold.
• What the hell is Ollie talking about when he said "All the guys we put away are back out"? You stopped plenty of people who are still locked up (ex. Slade, Boomerang, Brick).
• Ollie is actually considering Ra's offer just so we can fill up an episode.
• Murmur went out with a whimper. He was a villain who couldn't speak, so it was not surprising he wasn't overly compelling.

Live look at Murmur getting booked at the precinct.

Verdict: For a month, I have been ranting and raving about how Arrow continues to steal elements from Batman's universe. When Ra's Al Ghul offered Ollie the position as leader of the League of Assassins, I lost my shit. Shouting complaints to anyone who would listen. And then I began posting this picture anyplace that would listen to my tirades.

But as most fanboys do, I think I overreacted. The ending of "The Offer" just sent this story into a direction that I didn't see coming. Instead of Ollie rejecting Ra's offer and the League subsequently launching an attack on Starling, the writers threw us a curveball by having Ra's Al Ghul impersonate the Arrow. It was a cool twist that was reminiscent of a Batman/Ra's storyline. The Demon Head's late nights in the hood will definitely affect the Arrow's reputation in Starling and lead to a much more interesting clash between the League of Assassins and Team Arrow. 

          As for the rest of the crew this week, many of our favorite characters were left to deal with their daddy issues. Laurel is having trouble with Lance after she repeatedly lied to him. Thea wants to kill her dad, Malcolm. And Nyssa is pissed that her dad would choose an outsider over her to lead the League. Each character sought comfort in someone to talk about their issues which led to the awesome team up of Nyssa and Laurel. This will be huge for Laurel. She can finally receive some hardcore training and be ready to kick ass on the streets just like Sara did. Not to mention it will get Ollie to stop saying she needs more training.

         For the villain of the week, Murmur didn't factor in much. He couldn't speak so it's not like he would be able to say anything anyway. Unlike The Flash's Weather Wizard from last night, Murmur made zero impression. Just don't bring this weirdo back.

          "The Offer" did not have a final 10 minutes like last night's The Flash, but it did offer a twist of it's own. So by surprising me with their direction, Arrow gets a solid 7.5 out of 10. Who is excited for the return of the Suicide Squad next week?!

Thanks for reading! What do you guys think of Ra's pretending to be the Arrow? Have you ever been friend zoned? Would you get a steak with Ray Palmer? Let us know in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in next week for "Suicidal Tendencies". 

Arrow "Nanda Parbat" Review!

Ollie and Dig take a field trip to Ras's hide out, Ray Palmer gets laid, and Nyssa Ah Gul attempts to slay another one of the Lance sisters (and I don't mean kill). (SPOILERS!)

Episode Description: Ra's al Ghul captures Malcolm and takes him to Nanda Parbat; Ray obsesses over finishing his Atom suit, but Felicity tries to get him out of the lab to prevent him from going down the wrong path.

High Points:

• Really enjoyed the training scene between Ollie, Thea, and Malcom. It really showed in a quick instant what great fighters the three are. (As if we already didn't know!)

• Welcome back Mr. Palmer!

• Laurel Lance really has done a complete 180 in this show. She is such a better character then she has been in the past. Her burning Ollie was my favorite line of the night.

• Malcom Merlyn took Laurel down with both hands behind his back. Laurel was ballsy to take on someone so well trained.

• The flash back scenes were much better this week.The gun fight took raised the stakes in the past and once again showed how big of a bitch Amanda Waller is.

• Ra's mentions being around in the 1800's again. Thus again confirming the existence of Lazarus Pit.

• Big Daddy Dig and Ollie took on the leagues guards in military-like fashion. I can't remember the last time we saw Dig in action so it was really fun and enjoyable to watch. 

• THE ATOM SUIT IS ACTION READY!

• Roy Palmer got laid...

• When Diggle and Ollie get captured, Diggle talks about the war and how soldiers need to keep the "I will be going home mentality". This was a true testament to Dig's character and how he is always the one to show valor and courage when all else seems to fail. 

• Boba Fett dolls make up for all wrong doing. Nice gift, Roy!

Want some ice for that burn, Ollie?

Low Points:

• Sometimes Arrow goes overboard with the melodramatic then it really should. I get it there are a lot of family matters on this show but this isn't Full House. 

• Felicity. I mean my god she gets worse and worse every week. Just showing up ruining peoples day, locking people out of computers. She's like the younger sister that gets mad and goes in your room and fucks everything up. What a poo poo character she has become.

• The conflict between Team Arrow and The League of Assassins could be better. Perhaps a harsher conflict like say Ollie accidentally killed Nyssa, or something like that. 

• By offering Ollie the chance to be the next Demon's Head, Arrow is essentially stealing Batman's storyline. Batman was supposed to be the next Ra's Ah Gul. Not Green Arrow. Now it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the Arrow world, but this is a low point because as Christian and I discussed they could have come up with something original and just as cool. This show hurts itself when it tries to become Batman-Lite. Green Arrow is his own character. I'm sure they could have done something differently.

• When the ATOM suit finally turned on, I wanted to see it shrink not fly around. So little has been seen of the suit so I don't want to pass judgements just yet, but I hope the writers don't turn Ray into an Iron Man ripoff.

Watch Arrow at 8pm on Wednesdays on the CW

Verdict: As predicted this week was an improvement. After coming off of a slow episode last week, Arrow needed this one. I feel like tonights episode spoke a huge amount of how tense it is to be on Team Arrow right now. Everyone is angry and upset. In particular, Laurel has a legitimate gripe with Oliver once again because of his lie about who actually killed Sara. She goes on to tell Ollie she can't remember a time she ever loved him. Now if your a man and you hear that from a previous lover/girlfriend, you just bought yourself a first class ticket to the doghouse. In the end though even with all the Malcom Merlyn shit going on, we still see how this team stands for and cares for one another. Especially Diggle. He is the heart of the show. Mostly he has been used as the father figure of Team Arrow this season, which is cool and everything, but tonight we saw the old Dig. The badass American Soldier Dig that everyone has missed. Him and Ollie make such a good duo, and ya they got trapped, but taking down the league isn't the easiest thing in the world to do. (But Felicity is! O, burn!!!!) 
          Now on to Ray Palmer. Finally he returns to the show and as a bonus we got a taste of his new A.T.O.M suit. Compared to Ollie's night, Ray made out like a bandit. Got a little nookie, then perfected his super suit for a quick test drive. But seriously that character has been missed and it was a great way for him to return.
          Lastly this brings me to the ending. Ra's wants Ollie to be his predecessor, and for both Ollie and Dig to walk out of Nana Parbat alive. The question is what will Ollie say? Will there still be a Team Arrow if he says yes? Will we see Lazarus Pit in the near future?!?! Guess we will have to wait and see. The one downside to the storyline though is that is has been done already with Batman. Green Arrow is his own character and should have his own stories to be told with Ra's.

Anyway I want to give tonights episode a solid 7.5 out of 10! Mostly cause Ray Palmer is awesome.

Ray Palmer's theme song

Thanks for reading! What do you guys think of Ollie becoming the next Demon's Head? Let us know in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers. And make sure to tune in next week for "The Offer". 

Arrow "Canaries" Review

Black Canary fights regular Canary while Thea gets upset and bangs a DJ in an all new Arrow. (SPOILERS!)

Episode Description: Oliver (Stephen Amell) is thrown by the changes within Team Arrow. He’s used to calling the shots but sees that the team has evolved in his absence and tensions quickly escalate in the lair. Oliver is furious that Laurel (Katie Cassidy) has been going out as the Black Canary and tells her to stop risking her life, but when Vertigo (guest star Peter Stormare) hits the streets again, Laurel goes against Oliver’s wishes and tracks down Vertigo who hits her with a full dose of the drug.

High Points

• Laurel's arc is becoming one of the strongest parts of the show. Every week she is improving as a crime fighter both mentally and physically. 
• Thea finally learns Ollie's secret and doesn't get mad he lied, but instead thanks him.
• Thea also realizes Malcolm manipulation of her. (Except not that she murdered Sara.)
• Amanda Waller is doing Amanda Waller things in Hong Kong. The day Batman finally water boards her with gasoline will become a national holiday.
• Canary on Canary was awesome. Laurel's fears being tied to her sister's death and her addict past were perfect for further insight on her motivations as a vigilante. ("Stop trying to be like Sara and be yourself").
• Frustrations in the Arrow cave are beginning to boil over and like usual Daddy Diggle comes to the rescue.
• Gotta give props to Katie Cassidy. She looks strong. She put work in the gym and it has paid off.
• Post sex fights are the best fights.
• The Black Canary fucking beats down Vertigo.
• Captain Lance finally gets told the truth about his daughter's death. It was sad but he deserved to know.
• The League Of Assassins is down a DJ.
• Ollie was back in Starling City at some point during his five years away.

Does DJ Khaled work for the League of Assassins?

Low Points

• Vertigo's fear drug is used to good effect, but I just can't get over how much of a scarecrow clone he is.
• Why did they basically show us the Canary vs. Canary fight twice? Usually you add something more the second time around, but all we got was Ollie firing an arrow leading to the end of the fight. Just thought it was weird.
• Thea's melodrama got a little tiresome.
• Roy or DJ Douchebag? If you chose the DJ, then get the hell out of here. Bad choice Thea. 
• I liked the post sex fight, but wished Roy beat DJ Douchebag instead of Merlyn.
• Two episodes in a row without Ray Palmer. Where the hell is Ray?

Verdict: Laurel has come a long way from the start of Arrow. For much of the show she had been seen as extremely unlikable. So it's great to finally see her come into her own during the second half of season 3. Re-introducing Scarecrow-ripoff Vertigo into the mix tonight led to further insight into Laurel's character. She is afraid of not being as good as her sister. She is afraid that she is a former addict. This episode is all about her overcoming those fears so that she can become her own Canary. A Black Canary! Excited to see her become more and more integrated into Team Arrow. It is surprising though that Laurel's journey to vigilantism has been the most compelling storyline this season and personally I think it is because that once again the League of Assassins looked weak. All season we have seen the League's members get killed with ease and now tonight their pussy DJ took the HYDRA way out. Besides Ra's fight against Ollie, the League has not shown to be a capable antagonist. Flash has plenty of recurring villains and an overarching battle with the Reverse Flash that has kept it's audience extremely interested in. This season of Arrow doesn't seem to have that. Last year we had an epic season-long battle with Deathstroke, this season has one fight with Ra's. Step it up League of Assassins. All in all though the Canary on Canary fights were fun so "Canaries" gets a 7.5 out of 10.

You's a dead man DJ

Thanks for reading! Are you excited to return to the island? Does Count Vertigo suck? Let us know in the comments or on twitter @Caped_Informers. and @cstrand73. Be sure to check back regularly for more show/movie reviews and breaking news/stories regarding the comic book universe. Arrow returns same time next week with "The Return" as Ollie returns to the island and Deathstroke returns to the show! It's can't miss TV.

Arrow Midseason Recap/Review (Spoilers!)

Arrow Midseason Recap/Review

Our favorite Emerald Archer returns from his midseason break next week (and hopefully from the dead too), so I thought there was no better time than now to go over the first half of Arrow's third season. Let's get to it.

High Points (Ep. 1-9):

• Roy is now a full-fledged sidekick.
• The theme of Identity: Can Ollie be both the Arrow and Oliver Queen.
• The shocking death of Sara Lance at the end of Ep. 1.
• Emotional fallout from Sara's death hit Team Arrow hard.
• Komodo from Jeff Lemire's Green Arrow run gets introduced.
• Motorcycle Jousting should be in the Olympics.
• Brandon Routh has added heart + humor to the cast with his fun portrayal of Ray Palmer and his interactions with Felicity are always hilarious.
• The angry hunt for Sara's Killer led to many different suspects.
• Awesome DC easter eggs spread through all nine episodes.
• Thea's transformation to a badass through her studies with Papa Merlyn.
• Ollie and Roy's relationship has grown from "He's just my sister's BF" to "Bros".
• Laurel has begun her path to become Black Canary.
• The gorgeous Nyssa Al Ghul came back and she was pissed about Sara's death.
• Ollie's inability to find Sara's killer puts him at odds with the League of Assassins.
• Enter the Demon's Head, Ra's Al Ghul.
• Felicity's Mom has got it going on (MILF TO THE MAX!).
• Flashbacks to Felicity's hacker past at MIT filled in some blanks about her backstory.
• Roy recalls that he killed a cop in last season's "Seeing Red".
• It's Cupid, stupid! But seriously she was a sexy and unique villainess.
• Ray Palmer has plans for his ATOM suit and now has dwarf star matter as well.
• THE ENTIRETY OF THE FLASH/ARROW CROSSOVER!
• Even though it's in The Flash's episode that incredible Flash vs. Arrow fight.
• Captain Boomerang is another worthy addition to the Flarrow rogues gallery.
• Ollie and Barry's seasoned vet to super-powered rookie relationship.
• Merlyn sets up Ollie to clear his blood debt with the League of Assassins.
• THEA KILLED SARA! (Under mind control, but still!)
• Ollie vs. Ra's in a trial by combat.
• The death of Oliver Queen!

My sediments exactly

Low Points (Ep. 1-9):

• New Vertigo was a Scarecrow ripoff.
• All of the Hong Kong flashbacks have been weak. Katana and Maseo have been extremely underdeveloped which led to the latter's reveal of being in the modern day League of Assassins be very underwhelming. Tommy popping up was the lone bright spot.
• Laurel in her anger over Sara's death makes several stupid decisions.
• Nothing good ever happens for Det. Lance. He is this show's punching bag.
• Being in Corto Maltese really detracted from attempting to find Sara's killer.
• First half has been a real slow burn especially with the League of Assassins.
• Felicity used to date a hacktivist pussy.
• Certain episodes in particular Ep. 3-6 did very little to move any main stories along. Also besides Merlyn, these eps had terrible bad guys involved. Brother Eye, Shaw (The Manhunter), and that dumbass attempting to frame Ted Grant all sucked as antagonists.
• Ollie was a huge hypocrite in regards to Ted Grant being dangerous because he was a former vigilante who killed people. Re-watch Season 1 Ollie. You filled a fucking graveyard.
• No Suicide Squad or Deathstroke.
• No one and I mean no one gives a shit about Thea's new DJ boyfriend. Unless the rumors about him working for Merlyn or Ra's are true, then I will give at least one shit.
• Not enough emphasis on Roy. 
• Dinah Lance is the biggest shithead to ever walk the fake universe of Arrow.

What I do on Wed. nights without Arrow

Best Episodes So Far:

1. "The Brave and The Bold": The Flash/Arrow crossover was a massive successful. Everyone knew going in that pairing Barry and Ollie together was going to be awesome and that fight between them did not disappoint. So "Brave and the Bold" had the job of continuing that level of epicness. It did so by giving Arrow one of it's best baddies this season in Captain Boomerang. Boomer was no joke and was on a war path to take down A.R.G.U.S. This led Arrow and Flash into action thereby delivering some of the coolest action sequences of this season.

2. "The Climb": The trend of TV in 2014 was to have a "trial by combat". On Game Of Thrones, the Mountain and the Viper had an epic showdown to determine the fate of Tyrion Lannister. It was a fun fight with a crazy unexpected outcome. So how was Arrow going to top that trial by combat? By having their own fun fight that has an even more unexpected outcome. Ollie got killed. It was a moment that Arrow fans never expected to see. In the end it just goes to show that you don't fuck with the Demon's Head. Overall this episode just showcased how scary powerful Ra's Al Ghul really is and how Oliver pails in comparison to his might. Obviously Oliver will have to come back somehow (Lazurus Pit is everyone's guess), so it will be interesting to see if the League still has a problem with Starling City's vigilante when he returns. 

Worst Episode So Far:

1. "Guilty": Oliver was acting like a major hypocrite. Wildcat's old partner was trying to frame him, yet we didn't care. The story felt like it could have been resolved in the first 10 minutes. Whatever negative tidbits you have to say about "Guilty" are probably 100% on the money. Just a filler hour of TV with a lameass bad guy. Only high point for it, was the boxing glove arrow.

Biggest Surprise: Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer has been an excellent addition to the Arrow roster. At first I thought he would be a throw away character that was trying to take over Oliver's company much like Summer Glau's Ravager was last year, but instead Ray added humor + heart + levity to a show that desperately needed some. His character has been coming along nicely and I for one am definitely looking forward to him suiting up as The Atom in the second half of season 3.

Biggest Disappointment: Until I watched "The Climb", Ra's Al Ghul, or his lack there of, was going to be the biggest disappointment of the first half of season 3. Now that honor instead goes to the Hong Kong flashbacks. Early on in the show, flashbacks were one of Arrow's greatest strengths. They helped inform the story at hand while simultaneously giving the audience an interesting backstory on what happened to Oliver in those 5 years that he was away. The revelation at the end of last season that Ollie was not on the island the entire time he was away made me excited for what the show would going to do with it's new Hong Kong setting. To be frank, they haven't really done shit with it. Tatsu/Katana and Maseo have very little development other than that they love their son. When flashbacks were with Slade, Shado, and Sara, the audience learned a lot about who thee characters were and bonded to them. That's what made Slade's transformation that much cooler, you cared about him. Nobody cares about Maseo or Tatsu yet. Maybe the second half of the season will showcase who these characters are a little bit more.

Best Fight So Far: 

1. Ra's vs. Oliver: The Demon's head easily destroys Ollie in perhaps the coolest way possible.

Honorable Mention: This fight happened on The Flash, but it was so badass that it should still count here. #Flarrow

Verdict: Arrow's first half gets a 7.0 out of 10. Now some people may feel that score is a little low, so let me explain. Arrow reached awesome heights last year and I'm going to hold them to that standard. Off that bar that they set, this season has been good, not great. Of course there were plenty of highlights, but I expect the second half of the season to be on par with Season 2. Oliver's death sets up a ton of possibilities for the season's second half so there is no reason not to expect greatness from this next set of episodes.

Most Excited For (Ep. 10-23):

• Mob boss Brick is coming to Starling! Played by Vinnie Jones who famously said "I'm the Juggernaut, BITCH!"
• Roy and Diggle stepping up in Oliver's absence.
• Appearances by Suicide Squad and Deathstroke.
• More League of Assassins.
• Another Flash appearance?

Okay, that's all I for ya. Stay tuned for Arrow return on Jan. 21st and make sure to follow us on @Caped_Informers or follow me @cstrand73 for all your comic book related news. Thanks for reading!

If you want individual reviews for each of the first nine Arrow episodes click the links below:

The Calm

Sara

Corto Maltese

The Magician

The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak

Guilty

Draw Back Your Bow

The Brave and The Bold

The Climb

Arrow "The Climb" Review

The League of Assassins gives the Arrow an ultimatum to track down Sara's killer or to have 50 people of Starling be killed in an all new Arrow. (SPOILERS!)

Episode Description: Nyssa (guest star Katrina Law) returns to Starling City and tells Oliver (Stephen Amell) that her father, Ra’s al Ghul (guest star Matt Nable) has given Oliver 48 hours to find Sara’s killer or the League of Assassins will start killing the citizens of Starling City. Laurel (Katie Cassidy) is stunned when her father (Paul Blackthorne) delivers a very special Christmas gift – her mother, Dinah (guest star Alex Kingston). Meanwhile, Ray (Brandon Routh) tries to make amends with Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) and Oliver sets a meeting with Ra’s al Ghul.

High Points

• The Holiday theme from Flash continued onto Arrow
• The League of Assassins gives Ollie 48 hrs to find Sara's Killer 
• Katana and China White throw down back in Hong Kong
• Ollie discovers Thea has been taught to kill by Merlyn
• Merlyn strong arms Ollie into cleaning up his blood debt with the League
• Sara's Killer is revealed: THEA!!!! (What will her DJ boyfriend think?!!)
• Ray Palmer's tells us his backstory to Felicity (Raylicity is the new hotness)
• Bring on the ATOM!
• OMAC tease! 
• Ollie claims he killed Sara and demands a trail by combat
• Ra's Al Ghul hasn't been challenged to a trial by combat in 67 years. (Lazarus Pit??)
• Ollie vs. Ra's (Another amazing fight by Arrow's stunt team)
• Shirtless Sword-fighting is the best sword-fighting.
• The ending. He is called the Demon's Head for a reason.

There's always gonna be another mountain Ollie!

Ollie was like..

Low Points

• Dinah Lance returns to Starling to prove once again that Laurel isn't the worst character on Arrow, it's her asswipe of a mother.
• Fight scene with Thea looked a bit odd
• Maseo's revealing as a member of the League was a surprise, but I can't help feeling it  could have been built up a bit more.
• When is Roy gonna be allowed to have a plot line that lasts longer than one episode? (Or do absolutely anything for that matter?)

Rule #1 when sword fighting Ra's Al Ghul: Always bring Batman

Verdict: Arrow's midseason finale had a lot to live up to. The last two midseason episodes had been exceptional ( S1: Malcolm Merlyn revealed as the Dark Archer after an epic fight/ S2: Slade Wilson revealed as season's big villain) and yesterday's The Flash was tremendous, so this hour had some big shoes to fill. Now the overall storyline for this season has moved at a slug's pace, dodging the main mystery at hand "Who killed Sara Lance?".  Finally Sara's killer has been unmasked. It was Thea Merlyn (under Malcolm's manipulation), who dusted our favorite Canary! Perhaps this revelation wasn't was not quite as exciting as The Flash's final minutes last night (HOLY SHIT WAS THAT AWESOME!) yet it did put Ollie in quite a predicament. Try to convince the League that Merlyn coerced Thea into the murder and risk the League killing her or take the rap himself to try to wipeout Thea's blood debt. In the end Ollie chose to protect his sister and was forced to confront Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins on his own. Then Ollie fell to godliness of the Demon's Head. Now our hero's fate is up in the air. Overall "The Climb" gets a 8.5 out of 10 for Oliver's great emotional arc and a killer final battle.

The only reaction to Ollie falling

The most likely scenario has to be Ollie goes for a bath in a Lazarus Pit, right? Arrow can't really be dead forever, right? RIGHT?!!

Thanks for reading! Did you suspect Thea? Will Oliver bath in a Lazarus Pit? Sound off in the comments with what you think. And make sure to follow the site for all your comic book related news or follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers

Time to suit up Ray, it's your show now!

Arrow "Draw Back Your Bow" Review

Raylicity gets hot and heavy as Ollie gets himself a new "girlfriend" in an all new Arrow. (SPOILERS!)

Synopsis: Oliver must stop an Arrow-obsessed serial killer, Carrie Cutter, who is convinced that The Arrow is her one true love and will stop at nothing to get his attention. Unfortunately, her way of getting his attention is to kill people. Meanwhile, Ray asks Felicity to be his date for a work dinner with important clients. Thea auditions new DJs for Verdant and meets Chase, a brash DJ with whom she immediately clashes.

High Points

• Flashback to Slade's Invasion (Hello Cupid!)
• Brandon Routh is a beefcake (Maybe he should suit down rather than suit up)
• Palmer Technologies is now in business
• Sherwood Florist!! Outsiders!! (Comic references)
• Roy is really affected by his recent revelation
• Papa Diggle is the best friend a man could ask for
• Amy Gumenick (Supernatural) is scary yet sexy as Cupid (Hello Lover!)
• Cupid motivations and delusions are explained
• Felicity is the prettiest girl at the prom and the boardroom
• Cupid is heading for the Suicide Squad (Her and Harley would be a fun combo)
• #Raylicity
• 4 Love stories in one episode (That is high even for CW standards)
• ATOM EXO-SUIT!!!
• Enter Captain Boomerang

I thought Yellow Eyes killed you?

Low Points

• Sorry, but no one gives a shit about Thea's DJ auditions (Expect when "Turn Down For What" was playing)
• Ray has been good to Felicity, but her sudden all in attraction towards him felt forced (Could it be because he was shirtless or that 10 million dollar necklace around her neck?)
• Besides Katana's, the action was kinda weak

Verdict: Usually the romantic elements of Arrow are the weakest part of the show, but bringing in a villain like Cupid added a fun spark to that dull mix. Cupid (co-created by Arrow/Flash show runner Andrew Kreisberg) pursued the Arrow by murdering people as Ray Palmer pursued Felicity by throwing bling her way. It led to an interesting parallel and to us seeing an Ollie that we have never seen before, a jealous one. (Now you know how Slade felt, pal). Everyone's emotional story lines paid off in this one which led to "Draw Back Your Bow" not being too action heavy. Although what this episode was heavy in was setting up future heroes and baddies. Cupid is sure to make another appearance (perhaps with the Suicide Squad) and Captain Boomerang showed his ugly mug at the end. But the moments that were by far the most exciting were with Katana and Ray Palmer. In a flashback, Katana got to show off some of her badassery. Surely her role is to expand as well as her relationship with Ollie (it is definitely evolving past not doing his laundry). Now with Ray Palmer we had yet to find out if he would ever suit up as his superhero alter-ego The Atom, but this week we finally got our first big tease of his exo-suit. Maybe now we will see The Atom, Arrow, Flash, and Firestorm all suit up alongside each other by season's end. Overall "Draw Back Your Bow" gets an 8.5 out of 10. Fun episode. Cupid was a sexy and fleshed out baddie, not just some villain of the week.

Thanks for reading! What did you think of this week's episode? What did you think of Cupid? Sound off in the comments section or on our twitter @Caped_Informers. Check back regularly for weekly updates on your favorite comic book shows. In two weeks Arrow returns with the second part of it's crossover with The Flash titled "Brave and the Bold". See ya then!

Let them fight!

Felicity Smoak's Dating Record: Felicity Smoak sure has come far from dating a MIT hacktivist pussy. I think it's safe to say at this point that she is a superhero fucker. She can have any hero she wants. First Ollie, then Barry, and now Ray. Jesus, if Dick Grayson ever shows his face in Starling, there is no doubt in my mind that Felicity would get him to show her his Boy Wonder in about five minutes after he got off the train from Gotham. She is the most wanted woman in the DC universe. Props to the Bitch with Wi-Fi!